ICE detained Jamal, 55, for overstaying his visa – court documents show he first came to the U.S. on a student visa in 1987, then worked on an HB1 visa (skilled workers visa) before returning to a student visa to go back to school.

In 2011, a court ordered him to leave the country. But in 2012, the Department of Homeland Security allowed him to stay in the U.S. on temporary work cards, the BBC reports.

Jamal’s lawyers said they’ve filed an appeal and a motion to stay, which is set to be heard by a judge Monday afternoon.

Jamal’s lawyers said he was removed from a detention centre in Texas, despite an official report saying he was still there. His lawyers said they’re not sure due process was followed in this case.

“It hurts to know there is no one to blame for this. It’s just our policies. I hope people who can change those see how much it can hurt a family,” Jamal’s son told reporters.

During the rally on Sunday, U.S. Representative Emmanuel Cleaver promised to seek special help for Jamal’s case. Cleaver also promised to work for the thousands of families with similar problems, The Kansas Star reports.